Chapter 10
VIVIENNE
Auren stares at the shared door between our rooms, his arms crossed, looking decidedly displeased.
“You didn’t simply get two rooms, you got two grand suites?” His voice is low, edged with something I can’t quite place as he takes in the spacious accommodations. “You really need all this space?”
When the innkeeper told me they had two large rooms available, I absolutely couldn’t resist. I smooth a hand down my wrinkled tunic, feigning nonchalance. “I wanted you to be comfortable.”
“I somehow doubt that,” he mutters under his breath.
I frown, ready to argue, but before I can, the hallway door swings open, and a feast is carried into the room.
Two trays, piled high with roasted meats, fresh-baked bread, wedges of cheese, and glistening fruit, are placed on the small table near the hearth.
A second server follows, carefully setting down a tray of pastries—lemon cakes, delicate berry tarts, flaky almond croissants—along with a bottle of red wine and a pot of tea.
Auren’s eyes widen as he takes in the sheer amount of food. He turns to me slowly, his gaze flicking from the overflowing table back to my face. “How much did all of this cost?”
Taking a seat, I arch a delicate brow, folding my hands neatly in my lap. “It doesn’t matter. I paid for it.”
“Paid for it how?”
I smirk, reaching into my pocket and pulling out the heavy pouch of gold coins from my father. Auren refused it, so I naturally took it instead.
“My father gave me this,” I say lightly, setting the pouch down with a satisfying thud. “So, you don’t need to worry. It didn’t cost you a thing.”
Auren’s expression doesn’t shift the way I expected. Instead of relief, his mouth presses into a thin line as he exhales slowly. “That’s not the point.”
I tilt my head. “Then what is the point, my dear husband?”
He leans forward, bracing his hands on the table, his gaze disapproving. “Do you remember that family at the gates? The one that was starving?”
I hesitate, shifting slightly in my seat. “Yes...”
“And do you remember how you balked when I gave them coin?” he asks pointedly. “And yet here you sit, wasting more money on one meal than they’ll see in months.”
Shame grips me like a vise. While I’d felt pity for them, I never thought to give them my money. It hadn’t even occurred to me. Heat rises to my cheeks as I stare down at the meal, suddenly unable to meet his gaze. I could have given them something, anything… but, I didn’t.
I open my mouth to say something, to acknowledge the truth he’s forcing me to face, but before I can, he sighs heavily and settles into the chair across from me.
“Let’s just eat,” he says.
I nod, the silence tense and uncomfortable as we begin our meal. I pick at my roasted meat, tearing a piece of bread absently, but the weight of my own carelessness sits heavily in my chest. Still, the food is warm, rich, and comforting after the long day of travel.
When I finish my lemon cake, I eye the one left untouched on his plate.
Auren notices immediately. Without a word, he nudges it toward me.
I shake my head quickly. “I—no, I shouldn’t.”
“Eat it,” he says simply.
I hesitate, propriety warring with desire. My governess always said a lady shouldn’t indulge too much. A lady should eat sweets modestly, carefully… but gods, I want it. Lemon cake is my favorite dessert.
Auren leans back in his chair, watching me with quiet amusement. “I’m not going to judge you for having an extra slice of cake, Vivienne.”
I huff but take it anyway, ignoring his knowing smirk as I pick up the delicate pastry and take a slow, savoring bite.
When I’m finished, he stands, stretching slightly. “Rest well. We have a long journey tomorrow. We’ll leave at dawn.”
I nod, watching as he strides to the shared door between our rooms and disappears through it without another word.
The wind howls outside as the storm grows stronger, rain pelting the windows as thunder booms overhead. The flickering flames in the hearth cast long shadows against the walls as I turn toward the massive, comfortable bed waiting for me.
A small pang of guilt twists in my chest as I glance at the mound of pillows. I took the extra ones in Auren’s room for myself, leaving him with only one.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I grab a pillow and knock on the door.
A moment later, it swings open.
My breath falters as Auren stands before me wearing only a pair of loose-knit pants, his lean, muscular torso bare, blue-gray skin catching the warm glow of the firelight.
He is breathtakingly handsome. My gaze skims over the sculpted ridges of his stomach, the powerful lines of his arms, the way his broad shoulders taper down to a narrow waist.
I’ve seen men shirtless before when discreetly watching my father’s knights at their practice. But there is something different about Auren. Something dangerous beneath the beauty that makes it hard to look away… and more difficult still to pretend I am unaffected.
I snap my eyes back to his far-too-smug expression, mortified that I’ve been caught ogling him.
He leans against the doorframe, a playful smirk on his gorgeous lips. “Something you need, my darling wife?”
“Here.” With an irritated huff, I shove the pillow at his chest. “I thought you might want an extra pillow.”
A teasing smile curves his mouth. “How generous of you to return the one you took from me in the first place.”
Before he can say anything else, I shut the door in his face.
Auren truly is the most vexing man I’ve ever met. I shake my head, willing away the rogue thoughts threatening to unravel me, and decide to take a bath.
This inn may be rather primitive compared to what I’m used to, but at least the cleansing room has a clawfoot tub and warm water.
After I’m finished, I change into my silken shift and slip beneath the covers. The heavy quilt is warm, and smells faintly of lavender. The mattress is not as soft as mine back at the castle, but it’ll do.
It’s been a rather grueling day. It’s far more comfortable to travel by carriage, but alas, I fear my days of comfort may be over. I’m a soldier’s wife now; not a princess.
Closing my eyes, I turn onto my side. My mind is drifting between wakefulness and sleep when a violent bang rattles the door.
I jerk upright, my heart pounding against my ribs like a war drum.
A set of unsteady footsteps shuffle outside my room, followed by a woman’s giggle. A deep, slurred voice murmurs something low and incoherent before a door slams down the hall.
I exhale shakily, pressing a hand to my chest, trying to will my heart to slow. It was nothing. Just drunken guests stumbling to their rooms. That’s all.
Heavy rainfall batters the roof as rolling thunder booms overhead, shaking the bed beneath me. Drawing in a deep breath, I try to relax. Despite the fire burning in the hearth, my room is still a bit cold. I need another blanket if I hope to have any chance of sleeping in comfort tonight.
Sighing heavily, I peel back the quilt and stand from the bed. Throwing my shawl around my shoulders, I head for the door.
I suppose I could ask Auren for a blanket, but when I recall his smug expression when I magnanimously gave him his pillow back, I grit my teeth.
It’s rather inconvenient not having servants. If I were back home, I’d merely have to ring the bell on my side table and someone would come, bringing me whatever I wish.
Cautiously, I ease the door open just enough to peer into the dimly lit hallway. I’m about to step outside when I notice a man a few doors down.
He stinks of ale and sweat, and when he turns to me with bloodshot eyes, his mouth curls into a wicked grin. “Well, well,” he slurs, dragging his gaze over me. “What have we here? Is this an invitation?”
“Certainly not!” I take a quick step back, retreating into my room. I try to shut the door, but he wedges his foot against the frame, stopping it from closing. “Not so fast,” he says darkly. “I’m Larig. And what might your name be?”
Fear ripples through me. “Get back!”
Instead of complying, he starts to push on the door.
Panic claws at my chest. “Aur—” I start to call out but stop as a dark shadow falls over the man.
I look up and see Auren, looming over my would-be attacker, his eyes raven-black with anger. “My wife told you to get back,” he snarls.
Lightning fast, Auren grabs Larig’s shoulder and rips him away, slamming him against the opposite wall. He rushes toward him with inhuman speed and wraps one hand around his throat, lifting him off the ground as if he weighs nothing.
For a fleeting, dangerous moment, I almost feel afraid for Larig. But then I remember what he tried to do, and my concern disappears entirely.
A choked gurgling sound escapes the man as he struggles to speak. “Please,” he wheezes. “I—I meant no harm.” Desperate to break free, he kicks out with his legs, swinging his arms. But it’s no use. “I swear it.”
Auren’s eyes are pitch-black as he bares his fangs. “You dared to threaten my mate. Leave now, or you won’t live to see morning,” he growls. “Do you understand?”
The man nods frantically. As soon as Auren releases his hold, Larig scrambles away, nearly tripping over himself.
Auren’s gaze follows him, his fangs still bared in a feral snarl until he disappears down the stairs.
He turns to me, his eyes returning to their normal shade of blue, full of concern. “Are you alright?”
I open my mouth to speak, but the words won’t come. I’ve never been so afraid in all my life. If he hadn’t showed up when he did…
“Vivienne, please answer me. Are you okay?”
I smooth my hands down my shift to still their trembling as I somehow manage to nod. I hate that I’m so shaken. I’m not weak. “I’m fine,” I reply, struggling to keep my voice even. “Thank you for… your assistance.”
He guides me back into my room, sealing the door shut behind us. “What were you doing out in the hallway?”
“I was cold. I—I wanted another blanket.”
He opens the door between our rooms and disappears inside. He comes back out almost immediately with his comforter in his hands. “Here,” he says, wrapping it around me like a cocoon. “Take mine.”
“What about you? Won’t you be cold?”
Auren shakes his head. “I’ll be fine. You’re more important.”
More important. My heart does a strange little flutter at his words.
“Would you like me to stay with you?” he asks, voice soft.
I want to say yes. I want him here between me and whatever dangers lurk beyond this room. But I don’t want to appear pitiful.
“It’s not necessary.” I pull back, inhaling slowly. “I’m fine.”
Auren watches me for a long moment, then dips his chin in a small nod. As he steps through the door between our rooms, he glances over his shoulder. “I’m just on the other side if you need anything.”
I nod, watching him go. But as I slide back beneath the blankets, I hear a strange noise and I’m not sure if it’s from the storm still raging outside or if it’s coming from the hallway.
Despite my attempts to sleep, I can’t seem to relax. My mind is still racing as I think of what could have happened. I dart a glance at the shared door, fighting the urge to go to Auren.
How is it that I’ve only known Auren less than a handful of days, and yet my first instinct is to go to him for protection and safety? I’ve never been one to trust easily, but there’s something about him that makes me want to do just that.
Clenching my jaw, I turn onto my side, trying to ignore the pull to go to him, but when another boom of thunder shakes the bed, I jerk back up to sitting.
That does it. Drawing in a deep breath, I walk to Auren’s door. If I have any hope of sleeping tonight, I’m going to have to swallow my pride.